About Us

Nurturing neurodiverse and neurotypical learners with personalised education, warmth and connection.

Rooted in love. Built on understanding.

Tin Roof House began more than a decade ago, when founder Tina-Lynn wanted to create a gentle, flexible learning environment for her own children. What started as a small homeschool group around the kitchen table has now become a thriving centre in Elarduspark, supporting children from Grade R through to A-Levels.

Our centre has always been guided by the belief that every child learns differently — and that every child deserves an education that honours their strengths, supports their challenges and grows with them at their own pace.

We remain intentionally small, warm and community-driven, ensuring every student is seen, understood and supported every single day.

The Heart Behind Tin Roof House

Teacher Tina

Principal

I homeschooled my children through primary and high school, and started Tin Roof in 2016 after my eldest finished her A-levels. I am the Principal of Tin Roof House, and head of the Middle and High School phases. I love teaching, and the best part of my job helping students find their 'Eureka' moment with Mathematics.

Teacher Connie

Foundation Phase

Teacher Connie has been with Tin Roof since the very beginning. She works with our Foundation Phase children, assisting with reading, penmanship and Ndebele conversation skills. Teacher Connie loves working with the Tin Roof children, and her gentle nature and kind heart make her the children's favourite teacher.

Teacher Andrea

Head of The Cottage

Teacher Andrea matriculated from Tin Roof House in 2016, and returned in 2019 as a teaching assistant. She has since gone on to complete her B.Ed Foundation Phase, and is the Head of our Primary class. She is a passionate and dedicated teacher, sharing her love for language with all Tin Roof students.

Teacher Pontso

Full time assistant

Teacher Pontso joined Tin Roof in 2024, first as an intern, and then as a full time assistant. She assists in the Senior Primary and High School, as well as teaching Social Science. Her passion lies in teaching African History, and she pours heart and soul into her work every day.

Teacher Sue

Early literacy and numeracy skills

Teacher Sue works with our youngest children, teaching early literacy and numeracy skills. She brings years of experience and a deep love for children to her classroom. We learn something new from Aunty Sue every day.

Our purpose & promise: Supporting every child’s unique path

At Tin Roof House, our purpose is simple: to create a calm, child-centred learning environment where every learner feels understood, supported and celebrated.
We believe that emotional safety, gentle guidance and small-group teaching empower children to learn with confidence and curiosity.

We aim to:

Create a secure and caring “home-style” learning space
Support neurodiverse and neurotypical learners with respect and understanding
Build confidence through patience, connection and meaningful progress
Encourage creativity, independence and a love for learning
Partner closely with families to support each child’s journey

Mission

To provide a nurturing, small-group learning environment where every child is seen, valued and supported at their own pace. We aim to empower learners through personalised teaching, emotional connection and gentle guidance that honours their unique strengths.

Vision

To be a safe, inclusive space where children, especially those who learn differently, can grow into confident, capable individuals. We envision a school where learning feels joyful, achievable and deeply personal, giving every child the chance to thrive in their own time.

What a day at Tin Roof House looks like

for younger students aged 5–9

The Cottage

A gentle, nurturing, play-filled rhythm:

The day begins with warmth and routine. Younger students receive a bowl of porridge to start their day with a full tummy.
Grade 2–3 students enjoy a “brain snack” at 8:30, a boost after their first lesson with Teacher Andrea.
Mornings revolve around one-on-one lessons with Teacher Sue and Teacher Andrea and small group sessions tailored to each child’s level.
Between lessons, children enjoy regular play breaks in the garden and sandpit, giving their bodies and minds time to regulate and recharge.
The day ends with a fun, high-energy dance class, adored by the children and attended by Tina-Lynn on happy occasions.

Homework:

Grade 2–3 students receive 15 minutes of homework, usually a single extra page of what they covered in class. It is designed for independent work without parent supervision.
Families are encouraged to read together daily.

End of Day:

School ends at 1:00pm for all students, and as we do not offer aftercare, students are collected by 1:10pm.

for older primary, middle school, and senior students

The House

A calm, structured learning rhythm:

7:30am; The day begins with outdoor socialising, movement, and connection. Students then start lessons with Afrikaans.
Maths Lessons (Small Groups); Tina teaches maths to groups of 3 students at a time while also giving one-on-one support as needed.
Morning Subjects; English and focused learning, as well as weekly Science with Teacher Nathan.
10:00–11:00am Break; Loud basketball games, UNO, reading, outdoor chats. No cell phones are allowed, ensuring children stay engaged and social.
Late Morning & Early Afternoon; Subject teachers work with students in small groups or online sessions.
1:00pm; School day ends.

Additional House Notes:

Tina’s two full-time teaching assistants teach History and Science to the primary group.
Thursday 11–1: Art class with Nevada, giving Tina time for one-on-one with older students who need extra support.
Daily work is assigned, and unfinished classwork becomes homework.
Fridays are home-study days for consolidation, catch-up and preparation for the week ahead.

After-School Support:

Tina tutors Grade 10–12 students in maths in the afternoons.
She is available on WhatsApp every afternoon for homework support.
Teacher Nathan runs a Science WhatsApp group for questions and extra help.

Welcome to Tin Roof House

Learning Centre for Neurodiverse Children